London has been the seat of royal power for over a millennium, and few cities in the world can match its regal heritage. From magnificent palaces and historic ceremonies to hidden royal connections tucked away in unexpected corners, the British capital offers endless opportunities to experience the pomp, pageantry, and fascinating history of the monarchy.
Royal Residences: Past and Present
Buckingham Palace
No royal tour of London would be complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch since Queen Victoria's accession in 1837. While the palace serves as both home and administrative headquarters for the royal family, the State Rooms are open to visitors during the summer months when the monarch is typically at Balmoral Castle in Scotland.
The highlight for many visitors is the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place outside the palace. This elaborate display of precision marching and music typically occurs at 11:00 AM on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and daily during the summer. For the best views, arrive at least 45 minutes early and position yourself near the Victoria Memorial.
For those who can't tour the State Rooms, the Royal Mews (the palace stables) and the Queen's Gallery (displaying rotating exhibitions from the Royal Collection) are open to visitors year-round.
Kensington Palace
Located in the beautiful Kensington Gardens, this elegant palace has been a royal residence since the 17th century. Most famously, it was the home of Princess Diana and now houses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (Prince William and Kate Middleton) and their family, among other members of the royal family.
Parts of the palace are open to the public, including the spectacular King's State Apartments, the Queen's State Apartments, and various exhibitions that change periodically. The surrounding gardens, including the Sunken Garden where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their engagement, are also worth exploring.
Tower of London
This imposing fortress on the north bank of the Thames has served many functions throughout its nearly thousand-year history: royal palace, armory, treasury, public records office, zoo, and most notoriously, prison and execution site.
Today, the Tower is home to the spectacular Crown Jewels, including the Imperial State Crown worn by the monarch at the State Opening of Parliament. Don't miss the colorful Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters) who guard the Tower and offer informative and entertaining tours, sharing stories of intrigue, imprisonment, and execution.
Hampton Court Palace
Located a short train ride from central London, Hampton Court Palace offers a glimpse into the Tudor era through its association with Henry VIII. The palace is actually two palaces in one: the original Tudor palace commissioned by Cardinal Wolsey and later expanded by Henry VIII, and the newer baroque palace built by Sir Christopher Wren for William III and Mary II.
Highlights include the Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens, the haunted gallery (where Catherine Howard's ghost supposedly runs screaming), and the magnificent gardens which feature the famous maze and the world's largest grape vine, planted in 1769.
Royal Ceremonies and Traditions
Changing of the Guard
Beyond Buckingham Palace, this ceremony also takes place at St. James's Palace and Horse Guards Parade. The latter, featuring mounted soldiers of the Household Cavalry, is less crowded than the Buckingham Palace ceremony but equally impressive.
Trooping the Colour
This spectacular military parade marks the official birthday of the British Sovereign and takes place in June each year (regardless of the monarch's actual birth date). More than 1,400 officers and men, together with 200 horses and over 400 musicians, perform this intricate display of marching and music on Horse Guards Parade, followed by a royal appearance on the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
State Opening of Parliament
This ceremony marks the formal start of the parliamentary year, with the Sovereign delivering the Queen's/King's Speech which outlines the government's agenda for the coming session. The monarch travels from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster in the Diamond Jubilee State Coach, escorted by the Household Cavalry.
Royal Ascot
While not in London itself, this prestigious horse racing event is closely associated with the royal family. Held annually in June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire (about an hour from London), it begins with the Royal Procession, in which the monarch and members of the royal family arrive in horse-drawn carriages and parade down the track before the races begin.
Royal Parks and Gardens
London's eight Royal Parks, once exclusive hunting grounds for the monarchy, are now public spaces that provide green havens in the bustling city.
St. James's Park
This oldest of the Royal Parks is surrounded by three palaces: Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). With its lake, flower beds, and resident pelicans (first introduced as a gift from the Russian Ambassador in 1664), it's perhaps the most picturesque of London's central parks.
Hyde Park
Once Henry VIII's private hunting ground, this vast park is now home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the Serpentine Gallery, and Speakers' Corner. It's also the site of major events including the annual Winter Wonderland Christmas market and summer concerts.
Regent's Park
Designed by John Nash, this elegant park contains Queen Mary's Gardens, featuring more than 12,000 roses of 400 varieties, as well as the Open Air Theatre and London Zoo. The view from Primrose Hill at the northern end of the park offers one of the finest panoramas of central London.
Royal Collections and Treasures
The Crown Jewels
Housed in the Jewel House at the Tower of London, this priceless collection includes regalia still used in royal ceremonies today. The Imperial State Crown alone contains 2,868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, 269 pearls, and 4 rubies. Due to their popularity, expect queues; visiting early in the day or late afternoon may help avoid the worst crowds.
The Royal Collection
One of the largest and most important art collections in the world, the Royal Collection includes thousands of paintings, drawings, watercolors, and other works of art collected by successive British monarchs over the last 500 years. Parts of the collection are displayed at various royal residences including Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, and the Queen's Gallery.
Royal Mews
These working stables at Buckingham Palace house the royal collection of historic coaches and carriages, including the breathtaking Gold State Coach used for coronations since 1762. Visitors can also see the Windsor Greys and Cleveland Bays, the horses that draw the carriages during state occasions.
Hidden Royal Connections
St. James's Palace and Clarence House
Though not open to the public, these neighboring palaces on The Mall are worth viewing from the outside. St. James's Palace remains the senior palace of the British monarchy and is still the official residence of the Sovereign, despite the monarch living elsewhere. Clarence House, formerly the London home of Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, is now the official residence of the Prince of Wales.
Royal Warrant Holders
As you shop in London, keep an eye out for the royal coat of arms displayed by businesses that have been granted Royal Warrants, designating them as official suppliers to the royal household. Famous warrant holders include Fortnum & Mason, Burberry, and Floris London (perfumers since 1730).
The Inns of Court
These historic legal institutions have royal connections stretching back centuries. Temple Church, located between Inner and Middle Temple, was built by the Knights Templar and contains effigies of medieval knights. Lincoln's Inn has connections to several monarchs, while Gray's Inn counts Elizabeth I among former patrons.
Royal Opera House
Though the current building dates from 1858, there has been a theater on this site since 1732, and it has enjoyed royal patronage throughout its history. Today, it remains one of the world's leading opera and ballet venues, and the Royal Box is still maintained for royal visits.
Dining Like Royalty
Afternoon Tea
For a quintessentially British royal experience, indulge in afternoon tea at one of London's luxury hotels or tea rooms. The Ritz and The Savoy offer particularly sumptuous experiences, while Fortnum & Mason's Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon was opened by Queen Elizabeth II in 2012.
Royal Warrant Restaurants
Several London restaurants hold Royal Warrants, including Mosimann's in Belgravia, founded by former Dorchester chef Anton Mosimann OBE, which holds the warrant as "Caterer to HRH The Prince of Wales."
Commemorative Royal Locations
Westminster Abbey
Since 1066, most British monarchs have been crowned in this magnificent Gothic church, and many are buried here. The Coronation Chair, used at every coronation since 1308, can be seen in St. George's Chapel. Royal weddings have also taken place here, including that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece has hosted many royal events, most famously the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. The cathedral also played a central role in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the service of thanksgiving for Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee.
Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Walk
This seven-mile walking route connects sites associated with the late princess, including Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, St. James's Palace, and Spencer House. The route is marked by 90 plaques embedded in the ground, each featuring a rose emblem.
Practical Information for Your Royal London Experience
Best Time to Visit
For the full royal experience, consider visiting during major ceremonial occasions such as Trooping the Colour in June or the State Opening of Parliament (usually in May or after a general election). However, these events draw large crowds. For a quieter experience with good weather, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) offer pleasant conditions without the peak summer crowds.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Many royal attractions require advance booking, particularly Buckingham Palace's summer opening, which sells out quickly. The London Pass includes entry to the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and other attractions, potentially offering good value for visitors planning to see multiple sites.
Guided Tours
Consider a specialized royal-themed walking tour for insights and stories you might miss on your own. Several companies offer these, ranging from general royal London tours to specialized themes such as royal scandals or the history of royal fashion.
Conclusion
London's royal heritage is woven into the very fabric of the city, from its grandest palaces to its hidden alleyways. By following in the footsteps of kings and queens past and present, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of British history, culture, and tradition. Whether you're witnessing the pageantry of a royal ceremony, exploring the opulent interiors of a palace, or simply enjoying the tranquility of a park once walked by monarchs, the royal London experience offers something truly majestic that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
At British Adventure Tours, we can arrange private royal-themed tours of London, including skip-the-line access to key attractions and exclusive experiences not available to the general public. Contact us to craft your perfect royal London itinerary.